Like
we've seen in previous movie adaptions, characters from the novels are often
omitted, simplified or several characters become one in the film version. While
many of the characters in the film version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo did suffer a simplified adaption, I
think Lisbeth’s character was more fully developed in the film.
By
removing the complications from Blomkivst’s character – the relationship with
Cecilia and the importance of the Wennerstrom scandal – the focus of the film
became Lisbeth. Even Blomkivst became a character defined by Lisbeth. His
scenes by himself were always countered with a scene where Lisbeth dominates. Even
his last scene with Erika is seen from Lisbeth’s perspective, and it is Lisbeth
on her motorcycle who audiences follow when the film ends and not Blomkivst. While many of these moments are true to the
novel, the omitted scenes detract from the other characters importance and
Lisbeth becomes more knowable, less mysterious than she is in the novel.
One of
the biggest ways that Lisbeth’s character was developed was in her interactions
with her new guardian. Although the first two interactions between them where
he sexually abused her were hard to watch, her revenge and the additional scene
between them made her seem much more badass. The scene in which she revenges
her rape and tattoos him was pretty true to the novel, but being able to see it
made it much more impactful – especially as her makeup was insane. Then there
was the scene in the elevator where she came back to threaten him. Seeing her
fearlessness juxtaposed with her super creepy guardians fear emphasized how
intimidating she is. She completely changed his character; he became a cowering
loser instead of a confident rapist.
The
film version also revealed more about her. For one, Blomkivst learned that she
was a ward of the state. In the novel, she is afraid of anyone finding that out
which makes it a weakness. In the film, her treatment of her guardian and the
revelation that she tried to kill her father at twelve (without revealing what
her motivation is) makes her a strong character, if a little unhinged.
I totally agree that Lisbeth is more of a badass in the movie. I noticed her makeup when she went back to the guardian's apartment and tied him up too- it was a really good touch. The whole look works really well when she says something like "Some people say I'm crazy..and it's true." Really powerful scene
ReplyDeleteLisbeth really is the focal point of the film, where in the novel she shares the spotlight with Blomkivst or is even overshadowed by him it seems. The additional scene between her and Bjurman really helped to develop the open ended the story line from the book for an audience that needs things neatly tied up. In the book, Bjurman is only brought up after her dominating him by Lisbeth thinking about what will become of him. This scene helps to remind the audience of her dominate characteristics before her fight with Martin. Since most of her actions in the novel between her overpowering Bjurman and hitting Martin with the golf club are less action packed with her just doing a lot of research. The scene helped to build upon her character and strengthens her as a whole.
ReplyDelete